SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian renewed his call for the implementation of a learning recovery program to address the impact of prolonged school closures because of the pandemic.

Gatchalian filed Senate Bill 2355 in 2021 which seeks to establish the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning or ARAL Program as the national learning intervention system, which will include well-systematized tutorial sessions.

The senator said that a law institutionalizing a learning recovery program will ensure that enough resources are allocated for its implementation.

“Patuloy nating isusulong ang pagkakaroon ng learning recovery program sa buong bansa upang matugunan natin ang epekto ng kawalan ng face-to-face classes, at matiyak nating hindi mapag-iiwanan ang ating mga mag-aaral. Titiyakin nating meron tayong mga handa at mahuhusay na mga tutors na makakatulong sa ating mga mag-aaral,” Gatchalian said.

The proposed program will cover the most essential learning competencies under Language and Mathematics for Grades 1 to 10, and Science for Grades 3 to 10.

For Kindergarten learners, literacy and numeracy competencies will be given focus to build on their foundational competencies.

The tutorial sessions may be held on weekends during the school year or semestral breaks.

Learners may also be grouped according to their assessed learning needs while one-on-one tutorial sessions may be provided for those with particular learning needs.

The ARAL Program also allows tertiary level students to volunteer as tutors.

Tertiary level students who volunteer as tutors for a period of two semesters shall be deemed to have completed the Literacy Training Service under the National Service Training Program.

Tutors will also receive adequate training focused on innovative instructional techniques, interpersonal skills, socio-emotional learning, and cultural competency.